HAVING watched the recent Inverclyde Council budget meeting online I was completely appalled at the behaviour of some but not all of the elected representatives during that meeting.

I appreciate that the debate from all concerned was undertaken with passion and a desire to reach the best decision for the residents of Inverclyde. But what really made my blood boil and cannot be justified regardless of any political discourse or debate was the behaviour of Councillor Jim Clocherty during Councillor Lynne Quinn addressing the meeting to put forward a compromise in terms of reaching an agreement with the Scottish Government.

Councillor Clocherty decided to dispense with the agreed protocol when requesting to address the chair, stood up, interrupting Councillor Quinn mid-sentence, raising his hand towards Cllr Quinn motioning as if patting her on the head and telling her to sit down. This is an undeniable fact, as it can be seen on the video recording of the meeting.

In my 30 years of attending and chairing meetings at a strategic level within the public service I have never witnessed such blatantly obvious, bullying and misogynistic behaviour towards a female colleague.

In my opinion, not only did Councillor Clocherty break the laid down protocol for such a meeting, but he has broken the Ethical Standards expected of those in public service.

I was also extremely disappointed in the chair of the meeting Councillor Drew McKenzie, as he should have asked Councillor Clocherty to apologise or leave the meeting.

At the very least the video footage of this meeting should be reviewed by the Inverclyde Council Human Resources Directorate, to determine if a formal investigation into Councillor Clocherty’s behaviour is warranted or any other appropriate actions undertaken.

I would also welcome a review of the video footage to be undertaken by The Standards Commission for Scotland, Ethical Standards Commissioner.

It is also worthy of note that not one other male councillor, as far as I can tell, challenged Councillor Clocherty regarding his behaviour. That in itself may speak volumes of the current unhealthy culture that exists within our local council chambers.

Richard Duncan

Gourock